HD Hyundai Heavy Starts Partial Strike
The labor union of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is embarking on a partial strike as negotiations between labor and management have hit an impasse in this year’s wage and collective agreement discussions. The strike is set to disrupt operations at the shipbuilding giant.
Partial Strike Details
The HD Hyundai Heavy Industries labor union has initiated a 7-hour partial strike involving executive officers, bargaining committee members, and delegates. This strike will be followed by rotational partial strikes by affiliated organizations until September 10. Normal operations are scheduled for September 3 and 7, with a 4-hour partial strike involving all union members planned for September 15.
Negotiations and Demands
In the recent 18th main bargaining session held at the Ulsan headquarters, the company proposed an increase in the basic wage by 105,000 won (approximately $77), which included a step-up increment and additional incentives. However, the union rejected this proposal, leading to a deadlock in negotiations. The union is pushing for a higher basic wage increase, increased bonuses, and profit-sharing arrangements funded by a percentage of operating profit.
Legal Developments and Future Negotiations
Following the National Labor Relations Commission’s decision to cease mediation, the union has gained the legal right to proceed with industrial action. The union will continue negotiations separately from the strike. Plans are in place to increase the frequency of main bargaining sessions and engage in parallel representative and working-level negotiations to bridge the gap between labor and management positions.
In the past, labor and management at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries managed to reach dispute-free agreements in 2022. However, strikes have been a recurring issue since 2023, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining harmonious labor relations at the company.
